Kubik: Open Building Approach for the Construction of an Unique Experimental Facility Aimed to Improve Energy Efficiency in Buildings

• Published in: Open House International Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 63 - 72
• Main Authors: Chica, José A, Apraiz, Inés, Elguezabal, Peru, Rrips, Marc O, Sánchez, Victor, Tellado, Borja
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Gateshead Open House International 01-03-2011; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Industrialised product development; R＆D Infrastructure; Energy Efficiency; Disassembly; Reconfigurable
• ISSN: 0168-2601
• DOI: 10.1108/OHI-01-2011-B0008

KUBIK is aimed to the development of new concepts, products and services to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The main characteristic of KUBIK is the capability to built realistic scenarios to analyse the energy efficiency obtained from the holistic interaction of the constructive solution for the envelope, the intelligent management of the climatisation and lighting systems and the supply from renewable energy sources.
The R&D infrastructure consists of a building able to provide up to 500 m2 distributed in an underground floor, a ground floor and up to two storeys; the main dimensions are 10,00 m. width x 10,00 m. length x 10,00 meter high (plus and underground floor 3,00 m. depth). The supply of energy is based on the combination of conventional and renewable energy (geothermic, solar and wind). In addition, the building is equipped with a monitoring and control system which provides the necessary information for the R&D activities.
KUBIK's main structure provides an experimental, adaptable and reconfigurable infrastructure to create the indoor environments to analyse and to allow the assembly of the constructive solutions for the envelope, floors and partitions which performance must to be assessed under realistic conditions.